What is GoApe?

Go Ape is all about getting out, having fun and being adventurous. We’re the UK’s number 1 forest adventure with 28 tree top adventures, 10 segway experiences UK wide, Tree Top Junior adventures and a NEW Zip Trekking experience.

But there’s just a few things you’ll need to know before you head to the forest. We’ve built this section to help you quickly answer some common queries, and allow you to get on and have some fun!

Booking your Adventure

We recommend that you book in advance as our courses tend to get booked up especially during weekends and school holidays. You can check availability and book online or by phone on 0845 643 9215.

What are the opening times?

Opening times vary dependent upon which of our forest locations you plan to explore. Opening times also vary on daylight hours – some even open at 8am in the summer for those really keen Gorillas! You can check availability and book online or by phone on 0845 643 9215.

Can I bring a whole tribe?

Our session capacities have a maximum number. If your tribe exceeds the capacity left for a particular time slot please divide them across the next available session. They’ll be able to catch you up and Go Ape together.

One of the great things about Go Ape is that it brings people together. It’s a fun way to spend time with family, friends or colleagues. Our customers find their friendships grow when they’re on the course. Perhaps it’s that sense of shared experience, perhaps it’s getting close to nature, or it might just be that monkeying around in the trees with your tribe brings a smile to your face. So yes, we’d love you to bring the whole gang.

Do you offer group discounts?

Everyone comes to Go Ape with their tribe, so we don’t offer any discounts on groups I’m afraid.

Can I Go Ape if I’m under 18 years old?

16-17 year olds are able to supervise themselves during their Tree Top Adventure. Under 16yr olds must be supervised by a participating adult.

One participating adult can supervise two under 16 year olds. Participating adults may not supervise from the ground.

Do you have any special needs?

At Go Ape we want to welcome all persons aged 10 and over onto our courses. However, whilst our courses are designed to be accessible to most people they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenge. For some persons with special needs this may mean that additional equipment and/or levels of supervision will be required for safe participation. For others the risks of injury may still be too great despite taking such additional measures, preventing their use of the course. Please read our Special Needs Guidelines for more information.

Arrival and Ape Attire

What time do I need to arrive?

Make your way to the Go Ape cabin and be ready to get going on your Go Ape adventure at your booked time. Late arrivals that miss their session will be charged at full price. Allow plenty of time as it may take considerably longer than you think to drive into the forest, park and get to the Go Ape cabin, particularly on busy days when traffic queuing is more likely. At most sites you’ll have to pay for parking. This is because car parks are managed by forest owners, not us. Parking charges vary from course to course and can change at any time, so bring plenty of loose change.

What should I wear?

We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting grubby. Dress for the weather so bring along a mac if it’s raining! Make sure your stomach area is covered. Please wear appropriate footwear with soles with good grips. No sandals or slip-off shoes. You’ll need closed toe and heel shoes (with flat soles). We recommend gloves. Long hair must be tied back.

Can I bring my camera/camcorder?Yes you can! Getting a camera into the trees is straightforward. Talk to the guys at the Go Ape cabin and they’ll sell you a lanyard so that you and your camera are always attached – safer for everyone (Please note that lanyards are available to purchase for £2.50 at the Go Ape cabin). Or bring your own if you have one.

Are there storage or changing facilities?

Most sites will store your belongings while you’re in the trees. There are toilets on site where you can change before and after your Go Ape experience.

What happens in bad weather?

Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity! The course remains open in all weathers, except when it is icy, stormy, in high winds or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual – which all adds to the fun! Don’t forget to dress for the weather.

Go Ape might need to cancel your booking. If this happens, we’ll refund you in full. Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control. If you have already started the course you will not be entitled to any refund (in part or in whole). We will do our best to offer alternative dates or times at reduced rates.

Do I need to bring any paperwork?

No just bring yourself and your tribe.

Up in the Trees

How long does the course take?

The Go Ape adventure takes approximately 2 -3 hours to complete and that includes your safety briefing. It all depends on how speedy you are, how busy the course is and who you’ve got in your group. It will be busier during weekends and school holidays.

Is there a time limit to complete the course?

Nope, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘overtake’ if you fancy taking a little more time over an obstacle or section. If you want to reduce the chance of being held up by people in front of you, we recommend that you book an early morning slot, as there will be fewer people ahead of you.

Can spectators come and watch, take pictures and observe from the forest floor?

Yes – that’s a great idea to get them in the forest.

The only adventure that states you can only have one observer is Woburn Safari Park, all other courses you can have as many of your pri-mates as you want capturing those swinging moments.

Swinging Safety

Is it safe?

Of course. Go Ape courses are substantial and physically testing tree-top obstacle courses. There is inevitably a risk of injury when undertaking such activities. Participants will be responsible for attaching themselves to the safety system. If you do not attach yourself to the safety system you risk falling, which could result in a serious or fatal injury. All participants receive a safety briefing from a trained instructor at the start and have to wear a safety harness at all times.

Is there an instructor with you on the course?

You will receive a 30 minute safety briefing and training from an instructor before you start the course. After that you’re on your own, free to swing through the trees. Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forests (not in monkey suits unfortunately!)

I’m afraid of heights!

If you’re worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling – never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people to conquer their fear of heights. Why not give it a try – you might surprise yourself!

Do I need to be fit or strong?

Doing Go Ape does require a degree of physical fitness but if you can climb up a rope ladder you should be fine. You can always catch your breath between obstacles.

I have a group with special needs?

At Go Ape we want to welcome everyone. However, whilst our courses are designed to be accessible to most people they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenge. For some persons with special needs this may mean that additional equipment and/or levels of supervision will be required for safe participation. For others the risks of injury may still be too great despite taking such additional measures, preventing their use of the course. Please read our Special Needs Guidelines.

Can I smoke?

No. You won’t be able to smoke whilst in your harness.

Is Go Ape insured?

Yes; Go Ape holds £10m of public liability Insurance covering all of its courses.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

The staff at Go Ape are not medically qualified and so are not in a position to assess the capacity of participants to undertake a course. It remains your responsibility to undertake such an assessment prior to use of the course. We advise you to visit the course prior to booking to undertake your own risk assessment. You may also wish to contact your doctor for further advice.

Can I do the course if I’m pregnant?

The Go Ape policy is that we recommend that pregnant women do not take part on the course (as it is a robust forest adventure and therefore, there are associated risks). However, we do not want to be discriminatory and ultimately the choice is yours. We are not medical experts and therefore suggest that you seek advice from your doctor on the matter.

If you decide to proceed, you will need to declare that you are pregnant and then sign a disclaimer stating that: “I have made Go Ape aware that I am pregnant and as a result Go Ape! has recommended that I do not take part on the course. However I have decided to take part on the course in the full knowledge that this may incur risks to my unborn child”.

The type of harness used depends on the activity and the safety system and to a smaller extend the size of person. Our safety system and brief allows just a sit harness to be used, this gives greatest flexibility to users. The course and safety system was designed around using a sit harness and all our equipment is fit for purpose as designated by current European Ropes Course Standards. We do have some additional shoulder straps which we use in the case of people of a particular size. We don’t have Full Body Harnesses, because for the majority of time you are not suspended in your harness, and when this is the case the shoulder straps can slip off causing an ill fitted harness.

Cancellations and Amendments

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel your adventure but need to do this at least 48 hours before the booked start time by calling the booking line on 0845 643 9215. You will be fully refunded.

Go Ape might need to cancel your booking. If this happens, we’ll refund you in full. Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control. If you have already started the course you will not be entitled to any refund (in part or in whole). We will do our best to offer alternative dates or times at reduced rates.

Can I amend my booking?

Yes, just call the booking line on 0845 643 9215.

Gifts

How do I give the gift of adventure?

The gift of Go Ape makes a great present for any Gorilla. You can buy gift vouchers that last for one year and can be used for any of our Go Ape experiences at any of our UK sites.

1. What adventure would you like?

Want more adventures? Add them later!

2. Where would you like to Go Ape?

3. How many will be in your party?

4. When would you like to Go Ape?

Please wait. Checking availability…

Tell us about your tribe and we'll show you when you can Go Ape.

Available

Selected

Gorillas 16 years + £31-33

Baboons 10 - 15 years Over 1.4m £25

TREE TOP ADVENTURE

Forest Segway Riders Over 10 Years Over 7 Stone£40

FOREST SEGWAY

All Apes £45

Adult - 18+ years old Junior - 16-17 years old Child - 13-15 years old